Seven people are looking for a new place to live this weekend after a kitchen fire destroyed their apartment in Tigard. A resident called 911 just after 7pm on Saturday night to report flames coming from a stove in an apartment complex located at 10650 SW 121st Avenue. As TVF&R crews responded to the scene, residents tried and failed to extinguish the fire with fire extinguisherrs.
The first arriving crew from Tigard’s Station 50 found heavy smoke and flames coming from Unit 24. They initiated a quick attack and had the fire knocked down within two minutes. TVF&R’s Engine 50, Engine 34, Engine 35, Engine 66 Medic 50, Heavy Rescue 51 and Truck 51 all responded to the call.
The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage.
A TVF&R fire investigator has determined that the fire was caused by unattended cooking of oil in a fry pan. A 20 year old male in the apartment attempted to extinguish the fire with a pan of water, which caused the fire to spread.
TVF&R would like to remind the public that cooking fires are one of the leading causes of home fires. To reduce your risk of a cooking fire:
- Never leave food unattended on the stovetop – turn off burners or set a timer if you leave the room for any reason.
- Heat cooking oil slowly and never leave it unattended. Turn down the heat if it begins to smoke.
- Keep combustibles away from the stovetop and keep your cooking area clean.
If you experience a stovetop fire and the fire is large or appears to be growing, do not attempt to extinguish it. Quickly leave your home and call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or neighbor’s house. However, if the fire is still in the pan or oven and has not spread to nearby counters or cabinets, you may be able to extinguish it yourself through one of the following methods.
To Extinguish a Pan or Oven Fire:
- Put a Lid on It. The easiest way to extinguish a small pan fire is with a pan lid. Turn off the burner and from the side carefully slide a pan lid over the pan. The lid will “smother” the fire, while turning off the burner removes the heat. Do not move the pan until the fire is completely extinguished and the pan is cool. If you do not have a pan lid, you may also use a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Baking Soda. If the fire is still contained in the pan, you may use baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount in the palm of your hand and “toss” upon the fire. If the fire is not extinguished after several attempts, use a fire extinguisher or leave your home and call 9-1-1
- Use a Fire Extinguisher. Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is small and has not spread outside the pan. The discharge of a portable fire extinguisher only lasts between 8 and 10 seconds.
- Shut the door on oven or microwave fires and turn off the heat.
